When tracked transporters operate on soft terrains like mud and swamps, the core approach to prevent track slippage and vehicle sinking is to enhance ground adhesion, reduce ground pressure, and optimize driving operations. Specific measures can be implemented from three aspects: equipment selection and modification, operational specifications, and emergency response.

Equipment Selection and Modification: Reduce Sinking Risks at the Source

1. Prioritize Wide-width TracksWidening the tracks directly increases the ground contact area and reduces ground pressure, preventing the tracks from excessively cutting into the soil. For mud/swamp working conditions, it is recommended that the track width be increased by 20%–30% compared with that for conventional conditions.

2. Replace with High-adhesion Track PatternsSelect tracks with deep teeth, chevron patterns or block patterns (instead of smooth track shoes). These patterns can enhance the engagement between the tracks and soil, reducing the probability of slippage. For steel tracks, anti-skid teeth can be installed; for rubber tracks, wear-resistant and anti-skid rubber materials are preferable.

3. Install Track Anti-derailment DevicesMount anti-derailment guards on both sides of the tracks to prevent track deviation and detachment caused by soil accumulation and excessive unilateral stress, thus avoiding vehicle immobilization due to track derailment.

4. Control Load to Avoid OverloadingOverloading will significantly increase ground pressure, which is a major cause of sinking. When operating on soft terrains, the load should be controlled within 70%–80% of the rated load.

Operational Specifications: Avoid Slippage and Sinking Caused by Human Factors

1. Maintain Uniform Linear DrivingAvoid sudden acceleration, sudden braking and frequent steering. Sudden acceleration will cause the tracks to spin idly and dig into the soil deeper; frequent steering is prone to unilateral track slippage, leading to vehicle side sinking.

2. Choose Reasonable Driving RoutesSurvey the terrain in advance and drive along paths with higher terrain and hard soil layers; avoid obvious mud pits, puddles and soft soil areas with sparse vegetation. If necessary, lay wooden planks, steel plates or gravel to construct temporary hard passageways.

3. Control Climbing Angle and SpeedWhen climbing on muddy terrain, the angle should not exceed 20°, and the vehicle should ascend at a low and uniform speed. If slippage occurs on the slope, do not forcefully rush up; instead, stop immediately, reverse to a flat area and re-plan the route.

4. Keep Tracks CleanIf a large amount of soil accumulates in the track gaps during driving, the track grip will be reduced. You can reverse at a low speed intermittently to shake off the soil by means of track rotation. After operation, clean the soil on the tracks and chassis in a timely manner to prevent soil caking from affecting subsequent operations.

Emergency Response: Take Timely Remedial Measures at the Initial Stage of Slippage

1. In Case of Mild SlippageStop moving forward immediately, switch to low gear, slightly turn the steering wheel to adjust the track direction, or reverse 1–2 meters before choosing a new route. Avoid repeatedly spinning the tracks in place.

2. When Sinking Tendency OccursIf the vehicle starts to sink, do not continue driving. Quickly lay hard materials such as wooden planks, branches and gravel under the tracks and around the vehicle to increase the supporting area, then drive out at a low and uniform speed. If the vehicle sinks deeply, it can be pulled out with the help of other equipment. Forcing the throttle to get out of trouble is prohibited, otherwise the vehicle will sink deeper.